Special Thanks to Tommy: George & Gracie’s Landlord

IMPORTANT: Messages from osprey experts

Rob Bierregaard July 1, 2015 at 7:24 am
I haven’t seen the little guy yet this morning, but I would be very surprised if he survived the night. That sure was tough to watch yesterday, but that whole process is as much a part of the essence of being an Osprey as is eating a fish. It’s part of the life of Ospreys that was rarely seen before we started putting cameras in nests. As hard as it is, we should not label the behavior as mean or cruel. Being mean or cruel implies that there is intent to do harm just for harm’s sake. Those young were responding to a set of stimuli (very little food being delivered to the nest and the presence of a very small young) in a way that evolution has hard-wired into them. It helps ensure their survival. Nature is not cruel. It is harsh, unforgiving, and often random (had the little guy been born 1st, he would have been just as aggressive as was his sibling), but not cruel or mean.

Paul Henry ospreyzone July 1, 2015 at 8:17 am
Thanks Rob for bringing your knowledge and experience to help us all gain perspective here. We are all saddened by the events that unfolded before our eyes and it’s only natural for all of us to feel and express our emotions appropriately. There have been many issues pertaining to intervention which have been discussed amongst us all. There is no doubt in my mind that the right decision was made, to let nature take it’s course. By the way, that doesn’t equate to heartless, on the contrary, nobody feels worse about this then the apparent decision makers. I say apparent, because when all was said and done, and all the issues were properly weighed, there really weren’t any other options. It was clearly pointed out, by experts, that intervening at this stage could have spooked the whole nest to the point of losing all the young. If the little one was saved, and nursed back to health, what kind of a life would it have had, perhaps caged up in a zoo. I remember when I was younger I saw a golden eagle in captivity, caged behind a wire mesh. I could practically see it’s tears. As far as placing the little one in another nest, such a low probability of success would never have justified the possibility of spooking the nest. There’s a piece of me, however heavy hearted, that believes that perhaps it is better to be born free and die free. We mourn for the little one as we marvel at the wonders of nature.

Reprinted with the permission of John W. Fitzpatrick, Executive Director of the Cornell Lab of Ornithology.

Hello Paul,

Thanks for your query, and you have my admiration for persevering. We know very well how tough your job is, including dealing with an anxious public.

Our policy with our Bird Cams project is essentially “just say no” to pleas for interference. The behavior you are witnessing – while seemingly cruel and heartless to us – is natural for many kinds of birds, especially those that feed on variable, unpredictable food supplies. The little nestling does have a chance to survive, but if it does not then that result was “meant to be” by the nature of Osprey breeding strategy. The wonderful things about these nest cameras also sometimes yield the difficult things for us to watch. As you might know, we actually post a “siblicide alert” on some of our cams where we suspect the possibility exists.

I’m copying your note to Charles Eldermire, project leader for our Bird Cams. He may have some additional comments, and he would be the one to ask if we might be able to use your stored files for biological analysis.

It’s also important to acknowledge that intervening can also cause problems of its own—depending on the ages of the birds in the nest, disturbing them can trigger an early fledge. We have restricted the scenarios in which we would even consider intervening to injuries or dangers that are explicitly human-derived. For example, 3 or 4 years ago we were alerted by viewers that one of the osprey chicks at the Hellgate Osprey nest was entangled in monofilament line. We consulted with our partners there (wildlife biologists, raptor researchers, raptor rehabbers) to determine if the monofilament was an issue, and if intervening was both likely to solve the issue AND not have bad effects on the other nestlings. In the end, a quick trip to the nest was scheduled via a bucket truck, the monofilament was removed, and the nestlings all eventually fledged. In that case, all of the permits were already in hand to be studying the ospreys, and we had already discussed how to approach issues in the nest.

I’ve been to your site—great cam! And I noticed the runt in the nest. This is just normal Osprey reproduction. It happens all the time and you should not intervene. It’s tough to watch, but it’s how nature works. Ospreys almost always lay 3 eggs and on average fledge between 1 and 1.5 young each year. They stagger the hatch so there is a spread of ages in the young. That way, if food is short, the first-hatched (and therefore largest) will get enough food to survive while the smaller nest mates do not. If all three young were the same size and there was only enough food for 1 young, none of the young would get enough food and they would all die. If there’s lots of food, the smallest will eventually get fed and can survive. These nest cams can show some gut-wrenching scenes. The most infamous perhaps was one of the very first Osprey cams (on Long Island somewhere), where the smallest young died. One of the adults carried it out of the nest and after several minutes flew back into the nest and fed it to the other young. Waste-not-want-not at its goriest. At Hog Island up in Maine just last week a Bald Eagle came in and took the young out of the nest. Last year at another nest, cameras documented a Great-horned Owl taking young Ospreys out of a nest in NJ or MD. All of these things have been going on for millions of years and Ospreys are doing fine.

Gamma Carolyn I don’t know about being censored but I do know we have moderators to make sure nothing inappropriate gets put out there.
Ever sense Osprey zone started I always use the two buttons under post comments notified me by email and notify me by email for follow up
And I do get notified by email. If somebody replies to you and your message gets mixed up at least you will have a separate email that comes to you showing the reply so you won’t miss the reply usually.
At least that’s how it works with my email. I have found it’s just better to post a comment and put a person’s name you want to address rather then reply so the message stays in order.
This is just how it’s worked for me I don’t know about others.

Just a comment regarding the SANDPOINT nest as opposed to the EAST MARION nest – the weather on the north fork hasn’t been really conducive to nest building. East Marion has had high winds, cold, rain, very cold temperatures, and even some snow. It looks like we may be in for a nice stretch of temps for the next three or four days, and I think we will see nest orations pick up in intensity. Trust the birds. They know a lot more than we do about what they need to do and when to do it.

Haha! 2:45 EST; George lands *on* Gracie with a stick for the nest. She just stands and demands food! Her behavior is so much different than Iris from the Hellgate nest, who is feeding/working on the nest all by herself. Granted, her mate has not yet shown up…

I too keep thinking about poor PeeWee and kept hoping that the male would bring more food to the nest during that horrible time period. Hopefully, this year with two guys having mated her, they both will stick around and provide a lot of fish to her and the kids so all can have more than enough to eat and thrive and survive.

Dear Sylvia, Although I realize you are sincerely involved in the well being of the ospreys you need to keep in mind that they are one of the least adept nest builders of all raptor birds and often build very dangerous nests to raise young (I’m sure you remember last year’s rescue). Don’t take it all to heart as osprey are generally doing well throughout their habitats. Where I live many do a good job while others attempt to build nests in the weirdest place i.e. on top of a drawbridge on the traffic light with cars constantly speeding by below them. This year they had to dissuade the same osprey from attempting to build in the same dangerous and incompatible place. They tore down the nest and placed noxious but not harmful chemicals on the traffic light so the birds would find a safer place (of which there are many). Please forget peewee who was unlucky enough to be born during a food shortage and suffered siblicide which is a common occurrence. As with all living things including humans, all don’t make it. Yours truly, Bob

So everyone, we are sure these are the same pair as last year? You all watch and take note of the Osprey much more than I do so I am counting on your identification skills to tell me that this is the same pair as a year ago. Seems like they might have returned a little early but they hopefully recoup as the weather improves. Of course, the fishing needs to remain good for them to succeed.Thanks for your help.

ERaftery, thank you for your words from the other day regarding the female Osprey from the first year the nest was up to last year. I had started to look for the sam post you found but was way off in my dates as far as where to look. I don’t think you were investigating it as much as wanting to know the facts and not let another missunderstanding get started. So I think we are better off dropping the subject for now ( unless it pops back up again :)) ).

This is a great sight with a beautiful view , but it could be so much batter as others have pointed out. I hope you don’t find this down in the cellar burried under dirty old rags :)))

Yes, I wanted to know the facts. I came to this site late last year (about 1 week before the babies fledged) and didn’t know anything about ospreys in general or this site – or who George, Gracie, Sandy, or Ronnie (or Pee Wee) or Paul and Tommy were!! I watched a little of the highlights and had quickly skimmed over the comments for a couple of pages (there was something like (only) 11/12 pages of comments at the time) and totally didn’t know what people were referring to! But over the winter, I read up on ospreys online and watched the highlights videos in full. And, I started watching this site in earnest on March 24 and am trying to read the comments religiously. So, when I read THAT… well, I was like WHAT??

I also think a little confusion can arise from the “The Summer of 2015 by Gina M.” video (which, BTW, I think is very thoughtful and wonderful) because there are a couple of pictures from “Highlights – 2014).

Gracie is on the nest this morning about 6;30, and doing a lot of chirping. It still looks like the other male to me that joined her, attempted to mate, unsuccessfully I think, and also he brought her half a fish and has brought several talons full of seaweed. I hope I’m wrong, but it just doesn’t look like George to me. And I’m worried about him! Gracie defended the nest by flying up and flapping her wings at one point, but couldn’t see what was happening above. What are others thoughts on the male? Am I just being paranoid that it isn’t our George?

To all the doubting-Thomases: IT IS GEORGE.!!!!!!!! Will you please all relax and enjoy. YES, IT IS GEORGE AND GRACIE.
And the nest will be ready, upholstered and they will have a great nursery ready.
I love all the long sticks on the left….. great for perching and in full sight. Rodee

I think it is George. I don’t know if a second male hanging around is the usual – I know that they mate for life so I don’t know how receptive Gracie would be to a strange male. Also they seem so compatible with each other. Maybe one of the experts like Rob could give you his input. Please pass it along to us if you can reach him.

8:20 am PDT Leesa, I think you have seen both George and ” The Other Man ” ( as Gina has named him ). The first one I saw at the time you mentioned that brought the fish was ‘TOM’. He also arranged a few sticks. I always identify him by the white rectangular feathers above his beak and then above that is a thick patch of dark feathers. If Gracie didn’t screech even when George brought a fish we could say she was defending her nest , but with her its hard to say.
After “TOM ” left George showed up. I identify him by the darker feathers that go down the center of his head all the way to the beak.

It would be wonderful if we had an experts thoughts on the behavior at this nest, not only with the two males both mating with her , but also the lack of nest building skills or interest in one.

Take a look at the SANDPOINT Osprey nest. This is a returning pair who had to start from scratch and they have done all this just since April 2.

I saw only George on the nest throughout the day. Depending on the way he’s holding his head, the sunlight, and/or the wind, the thin strip of dark feathers that runs down to his beak is not always visible.

Thank you for your input. I feel that most of the time I can quickly identify George. However when Tom mated with Gracie and she took the fish from him too I got really confused. And I will definitely check out the other nest. It will be interesting to see the difference!

5:44 pm 4/12/16 Gracie was just given a small fish by a male. The male stayed and watched her eat it. In between mouthfuls she was screeching. She also was hooding over the fish. (wings slightly open covering what she wants to protect) After about 4 minutes, She left with her fish.

I try to check in at least once every 4 hrs so I can scroll back and see what I missed. So far what I have seen is three Osprey who could be working on the nest. Both males , who ever they are 🙂 bring things in every once in a while , but I have yet to see the female do much to it. I do agree with the person who made the comment that that middle branch should not have been placed there but it is too late now. The Sandpoint Osprey have just been back since the 2nd of April and had to start from scratch also, and already have a very impressive nest started. So these 3 or 2 had best get working.

ERaftery , I will post a reply later today or just send a new post ( so it doesn’t get lost !!

Once again I will ask our moderator if the notify me boxes are working ? Who is the moderator ?

About 10:35 am Gracie was in the nest when the other male joined her. At first I thought he had brought a part of a fish but after scrolling back I don’t see one. However after sitting for a brief time he started to fly off but their talons seemed to be either holding onto the same thing or were entangled, as he seemed to drag her off the nest. They separated afterwards and flew off. Didn’t see George throughout that time.

The “Other Man” was hanging out in the nest this morning and at one point Gracie joined him. Then he flew away soon followed by Gracie.
The birds usually sleep in sturdy, protected trees at night. At least, around here they do. When I don’t see the ospreys in their nests, I see them nestled in protected branches.
When the babies are born, George (or whomever wins this battle) will perch in a tree nearby.

At approx 7:08pm Gracie received a half fish from whom I believe is the intruder male. Just didn’t look like George. Haven’t seen him around this afternoon. Has anyone else spotted George after noon time? I don’t like this intruder hanging around so consistently. Hoping George and Gracie can shoo him away for good!,

ERaftery I appreciate you investigating the past about the first female dying of pneumonia.
I guess what people put out there you can’t always believe. However I think you missed my point that was Gracie now was not the same female osprey in the highlight before the babies and I was just trying to let the person know that the female osprey wasn’t the one that stayed in the nest with George and had 3babies. That’s all she was confused on why the pictures were different. I guess I shouldn’t have passed on the story that was being told at the time. Should have just stayed the facts that I could prove. Now can we move on. I have Ospreys right here in my backyard like Bob living Florida they are everywhere but OspreyZone has always been my family. I do read books on Ospreys and watch other osprey and Eagles live cams along with being a member to a lot of bird associations so I get a lot of info from there too You can never learn enough. I just want to enjoy our osprey family.

I’m no expert, I believe our pals stand facing the wind, easier to land, takeoff and keep warmer ( feathers don’t get ruffled). Sailors use seagulls standing on pilings to tell wind direction. Lake sailors by farms use cows, they stand with their butts into the wind, helps to keep the flies away, good luck! Calm days our pals will stand in any direction. I don’t think they care about the vista like humans.

Gina M thanks for your update going back and seeing all the pics of the events it matches up. So much drama with Mr intruder or intruders. Seems like last year Gracie and George never really let any intruders kinda join the nest seems like they worked as a team last year scared off intruders. Must be a shortage for nests and females there. Anyways thank you

Hi Mickey, yes, the first thing I also do is read the comments to see what I missed. It’s also helpful to know that other fans have witnessed what I witnessed and are trying to make sense out of everything. Thanks for the info re the other website. Will check it out. I also like GinaM’s comments re “other man.” Gracie sure is popular — and well fed!!

I saw a couple of times on Sunday the “Other Man” coming to the nest. He even brought sticks at one point. He attempts to mate with Gracie, sometimes successfully. I can tell them apart because George has his healing wound on his right breast and the “OM” has a healing wound on his left breast – presumably left there by George.
Hopefully all three of the them can either learn to live together in a Three’s Company scenario, but if that happens we will have to start calling Tommy “Mr. Roper.” 🙂

Hi Marlene, Rjoneal and GammaCarolyn. If you read our 4 observation posts, we all saw the same things early evening Sunday night. Its very cool when that happens 🙂 I can see by reading peoples posts to this blog that its for saying what you!ve seen in this nest, updates on other nests and the social aspect. For me,I like it when I return from being out and the first thing I do is read here. I`m learning who to read and who not to read. I like reading what I missed that day 🙂 I hope with time you guys can trust my obs and get a clear picture of what you might have missed while you were gone. I hope the mod doesnt mind but if you visit here http://puleston.osprey.bnl.org/index.php and on the left click any years msg board. Then scroll to the bottom and click on the last number to go back to when that nest started that year. That msg board was strictly observations for that nest. You`ll see that what happened to us here today, happened to many people there at the same time too 🙂 The nests there are active but the cam is not. That was the Dennis Puleston nest in Brookhaven L.I. Theres alot of good reading there and archived videos too. Im sorry for being long winded. Good night 🙂

Did anyone else see this: at around 5:15 PM today (Sunday, April 10th), Gracie was on the nest hollering when an osprey flew in with a partial fish, which Gracie promptly grabbed. The unknown bird then sat on the railing for a few seconds before flying off when George arrived, also with a partial fish!! Then Gracie flew away with the stranger’s fish. And George ate his own fish. Can anyone explain what’s going on??

4:22 PM PDT At roughly 5:16 NY time, I watched a male bring half a fish onto the nest which the female took and while male # 1 was still there another male flew in with a half fish and #1 male flew off. I believe the second was one that has frequented the nest often and was bringing sticks to the nest last weekend.

Also to our moderator, do the notifications for posting work ? I always click both but have received nothing.

Re your reply April 7th: I agree with you – your WHOLE assessment (including that if I reply to you there, it will be so far down it will be lost!). I would also say the two on the nest this year are the George and Gracie of 2015. I watched the video “Highlights – 2014” and, to me, it looks like two different females were vying for George in that video: the really speckled one and a not so speckled one. I tried to find out on the internet, but couldn’t find anything, so, yeah, I don’t know where people got info that the speckled female died from pneumonia!

As for yesterday (April 10th), I got a screenshot of the first fish-bringer and it is not George, but the second one is.

Did everyone see that oh my Sunday 4/10/16 around 5:30 ish Gracie calling for dinner not 1 but George and intruder both showed up with big size fish. Got confusing for awhile there Gracie took the 1 st fish which I think was George flew off then it looks like she took fish from intruder and someone try to mate with her don’t know for sure if it was George I hope so.
Gina M.if u or anyone else saw all this going on maybe u can let us know what and who was doing what. It looked like in the end Gracie took both fish could I have missed something ? Ok the drama continues in the nest with intruders and I hope they are gone by the time the babies come.

Around 5:30 p.m., an osprey flew on top of Gracie. I assumed it was George. However, the bird flew away and about ten seconds letter another flew in with a fish. Could both ospreys have been George? I’m very doubtful. He had to be pretty fast to mate and bring the fish. I’m very confused. Did anyone else see that?

4/10/16 5:16pm Gracie was chirping loudly and a Osprey appeared with a half a fish. She took it and the fish deliverer flew off. RIGHT after that bird flew away ANOTHER Osprey appeared with a half a fish. I am leaving out male id because neither fish deliverer could be identified. (facing wrong way) Bottom line is Gracie got fed ! I usually dont speculate in my obs, but its safe to say Gracie probably has 2 males wanting her attention.

Sun 3:51pm. George and Gracie both facing camera. George adjusting sticks. I see no red or pink or anything of a wound. I am wondering if it was blood from a fish and it was also near the black spot under his wing. He seems fine.

11:44am 4/10/16 George flew onto platform and stood next to Gracie. Both were facing the cam. There appears to just be a stain or discolorazation on his breast where the “wound” was. He left after adjusting some sea grass and returned to mate. Then he left again.He then returned again moments later. Gracie has been chirping all the while.

4/10/2016, 6:30 pm, I agree with you about the appearance of the nest. Looks like a lot of work to be done yet. Gracie looks cold. It is probably too cold and windy to do anything with the nest right now.

I got a good look at George’s wound and it is healing really well. Thank heavens.
I find it interesting that we humans go to the beach and look at the water…. Ospreys face the land and look there. I love the “FaceTime” George and Gracie are giving us!

I’m having the same issue. I’m in NYC visiting my daughter so I brought the iPad instead of laptop. I’m missing out on so much!! I’m even getting error messages on my iPhone. It worked the first couple of days after I got here but hasn’t worked at all since yesterday morning. And I’m going crazy not getting to check in on our family!!

8:35amEDT 4/10/16 A beautiful SUNday morning in ospreyland..still chilly but sunshine flickering brilliantly across the water..
about 7:30. George was rearranging..looked like he was trying to put branches more around the sides….about 8:15 he brought in a fish chunk which Gracie “graciously” grabbed and took off…The video feed is choppy ….does the wind ever stop?

Carol and Leanne glad u learned to take screenshot but last year I taught someone to use what’s called a snipping tool you can put it on your desk top slow down the speed and take wonderful pictures don’t know if you have it or not.
On this site you cannot post pictures does not allow you to do so at this time we all tried last year and as far as I know nothing has changed there’s no way to post an actual picture on the site. That would have to be done on Paul’s end. My email is Rjoako@bellsouth.net if you’d like me to send you some good pictures.
George’s wound does look like it’s healing well from the salt water which is good. As Gina M pointed out Rob the Osprey expert said we were lucky another Osprey got injured in a fight and died thank goodness our George didn’t.

Just tuned in at approx 5:07 just to see the intruder fly by and Gracie chase it off. Did not see George at that time. He showed up a bit later with a fish and I got a good look at his chest, which looks good. No signs of blood on it. I didn’t notice any other wounds on him, so just praying he is ok.

2:30pmEDT 4/9/16 Just learned how to do a screenshot on this new computer!! So proud of me!!! So much easier than what I was doing on the last one…now if I could get last year’s shots from the gone-wacky computer, I would be a happy camper!! Baby-steps…….

Me too, Carol. I have some lovely shots of the nest and also a recording of the “attack” in the nest from earlier this morning. My only problem is that I don’t know how to post them anywhere. Like you said, “baby steps” 🙂

Around 10:08 Am Saturday George & Gracie were in the next, George was working on moving a stick when an Osprey flew over the water, then George & Gracie looked up toward the camera and flew off. This Osprey got in the nest and stayed there for a few minutes, then flew off. 10:18 am – the nest is still empty but I can hear ‘talking’ in the background.

9:57am Checked in with Ches.Con ospreycam and it looks like sleet or snow hitting there already. DC eagles look a little damp but parent snuggling the chicks and keeping one from eating nesting material..they must be great providers because there is always fish just lying around.
10:00am heard crow calling then G & G stopped in to mate. Geo. took off on a victory lap and came back to rearrange furniture. Haven’t seen his chest yet…

April 09-6:50 E- About an hour ago Gracie ? arrived at nest or at least I thought it was her.
About 10 minutes ago I saw another bird come and chase Gracie? off of nest except the bird that landed has Gracie’s black spot.
Also, there was a male osprey who came and sat on perch a few times during this first hour and I assumed it was George but now I’m not so sure. This new bird is squawking away just like Gracie but so was the bird before her.
I am so confused right now.
Maybe someone can clear it up for me?? Thank you!

I went back and re-watched the video I made and it was Gracie who got attacked defending the nest. Both birds kind of flew out of frame and when I watched the video again I could see it was her the whole time. Poor Gracie!! That bird swooped in behind her and basically tried to push her off the nest. She defended her territory like a trooper and the other bird flew away.

Gina, I, too, thank you for consulting Rob. It makes me feel better. He’s such an expert on ospreys. Poor George! So much drama so early in the season. Let’s hope that this intruder flies away and leaves our feather family alone.

Everytime I see George his wing underneath is pin, not bleeding. also it looks like it’s hurt right where a spot/marking is and wondering if that’s what’s making it look like a puncture wound? It doesn’t look that bad when I see it. He seems to be doing ok and still bringing stuff to the nest. Be well George…….

5:11pmEDT The other day, George had a bloody thigh, which did appear to come from a fish he had caught. I’ve seen the area on his breast and think it has to be a wound, unless he has taken to tucking his fish in his armpit and walking home. My main concern would be infection….He seems to be moving freely right now. We can only think good thoughts and hope for the best. 2016 is off to a rough start…..

5:25pmEDT4/8/16 On the 4hr rewind, I didn’t see any deliveries except some seaweed…I don’t know reproduction requirements for birds, but would lack of food compromise any embryos and shell formation? Or am I worrying too soon?

Rob told me that sadly another male osprey had a much worse fighting wound from an intruder and he didn’t survive his injuries. George seems to be doing ok. In fact, at the Pink Shell nest in Ft. Myers, one of the babies had a pretty good sized wound from a catfish. The feathers were scraped off like George’s. That baby is fine now. George’s wound looks like it was definitely caused by the beak of the intruder. But it is not bright red, so there is most likely no fresh bleeding. I haven’t seen any fish caught in a while, I think Gracie is hungry and that is why she is nagging him so much. Did she forget she spent the past 6 months fishing for herself down south? I also haven’t seen the intruder since the big fight this morning. I hope he found a new nest and leaves our little family alone.

12:22pm 4/8/16 Its good to post time and date in case the moderator cant clear the post quickly. Someone posted the wound was on Georges left and someone posted it was on his right. What I have seen is a dot in the center of Georges right wing. (the under side) I think this is the dot you all have used to ID George right? The wound is on the right side of Georges breast. Again the right side of his breast.

Gina M thanks for showing the photo to Rob it makes me feel better to know what kind of wound it most likely is. Sad to know he got injured so badly by an intruder..I too have noticed the intruders that people have commented on coming to the nest and I saw the one today when George dropped off a branch. Gracie was ducking her head as if they were fighting right above her I could only get a shot of the intruders wing and George flying backwards. Hopefully since he still mated with Gracie caught a fish and has been tending to the nest this means he’s not injured to seriously. We love you George.

I rewound that incident one more time, and I didn’t see the injury under the wing of the bird who brought in the twigs. I wonder if that was George?? I would think the wound be noticeable when he landed. Very confused.

I scrolled back, and around 3:41 hours ago (it’s now 11:22 a.m.), there was another osprey in the nest with Gracie. George came back with some twigs, and the other bird left about five seconds before George landed. I, too, see the injury under his right breast, and am concerned. He is doing such a great job in building the nest.

I showed the photos of George’s wound to our osprey expert Rob, and he believes that it is most likely a result of a fight with the rival bird who keeps trying to take over the nest. About 3 hours ago George could be seen fending him off of Gracie and the nest. Let us pray he heals quickly and it doesn’t get any worse.

GinaM, I agree 100%. The same male that came to the nest several times last weekend was on it this morning as you said. I’m sure this happens all the time. This is nature. And Thank You for consulting with an expert . Much better than guesses :))))))

George’s injury may be the result of fishing? Perhaps he was stuck by the spiny dorsal fin of a baby blue fish. Bunker do not have spiny fins. I think the saltwater will clean and heal the wound and he’ll be fine.

George has what looks like a puncture wound on his right side. It could be a smear of blood, but it looks like it might be an injury. Good news is that he isn’t favoring it at all, so it must not be bugging him too much.

Not sure of the time but on 4-8 2016 Friday when George brought in the fish you can’t see his bleeding wound it kind a look like a pellet or possibly even a bullet wound if you rewind to the earlier morning hours very concerned about our George !!! See wounded and all George is a good husband and father he still mated and provided food for Gracie.

Every time I rewind and look at George’s injury looks like it could be a little bullet hole when you look at it in slow motion. I sure hope someone wouldn’t try to shoot our George. We’re here for you George stay healthy stay safe get well

Oh No George flew in early morning Friday, April 8, 2016 and it looks like blood on his upper left chest. When daylight came around 7 AM you could tell looks like puncture wound on his chest definitely an injury of some sort I am so worried for him looks like it bleed a lot. At around 7 AM while he’s mating with Gracie definitely got some good pics and it looks like a puncture wound anyone else out there seeing this ??

It is 4:45 EST and George is in the nest being windblown. We are having some really awful weather here for the beginning of April. The temps are well below normal and the winds just keep blowing the cold air in. It snowed a little last week-end and maybe we will get some again this week-end. I feel so sorry for George and Gracie and for that matter all the wildlife that has returned from the warm climates. They must be thinking that they misread their internal calendar is messed up. As for the lack of sufficient fish being delivered by George which caused so much conflict between the babies and the death of Pee-Wee I do not think it was the fact that George was young and inexperienced in his role as the provider. I believe it was the lack of fish in the waters he was fishing in. There were 2 maybe 3 fish kills here due to nitrogen in the water as I re-call.
Carol V. I am sure will know more about these events.. I know I read about it in the paper. This had happened before and hopefully will not happen ever again.

It’s so windy and nasty at the nest. Reminds me of some of the storms Gracie went through when she was guarding her eggs/babies.
From what I have read it looks like the possibility of some snow for the weekend. I just hope the G’s stay warm and dont end up getting sick.
Poor things!

From what I’ve read, osprey young generally spend a year or more in their wintering ground, often South America or some Caribbean Islands. Then they return to the general area of their birth. Since last season was the first year for successful fledglings from this nest, it’s not likely to be relatives.

So happy to be on the watch again. Welcome back George and Gracie. My grandchildren have been asking about you all winter. They are excited to see you again and now we’ve added another watcher…my 4 y/o grandson.

10:24amEDT I was just exploring different pages on this site and saw comments for each page…there was one from Jodi in February expressing concern for fledglings at the Flanders rts 24/105 site… I have watched this site for years, driving to and from work, and it has been a successful nest with no squashed birds. In observing fledglings learning to fly, at the Verizon nest in Cutchogue, the birds don’t usually land on the ground. They practice flying between buildings, light poles and any available raised structure, quickly learning to climb on currents to work their way upward to a very high nesting site.Last year, the sole fledgling flew to a pole usually occupied by its father..it sat there for hours…a parent came and sat on a lower rung position and another would call from the nest. Eventually, it got the courage(and probably got hungry!) to make the trip back up and did well till it left for the season. I hope this helps with your concerns…

Today is April 7 and I saw George bring in 2 fish to Gracie so far today it’s around 10:15 AM and of course I’ve seen them mate like a couple times as others have said they are doing it like bunnies. Good thing they don’t have as many babies as bunnies or we would be in trouble the nest wouldn’t be big enough. According to the Osprey books George will be staying by Gracie side pretty much the whole time when she’s ready to lay the eggs. So we will watch for that happen next.
Someone mentioned about the ospreys feathers Moulting from what I know and have read but claim to be no expert ospreys do not moult.

Helen you are correct George did not have to wait for Sandy but Sandy was a Nester and didn’t want to leave George practically had to warn her at the end that she either come or he’s leaving without her.

Right now in FL watching magnificent eagles; two eaglets. One already has branched. We are waiting for the younger one to do so. In the meantime, glad i checked the ospreys here in LI. I watched the family last yr, incl. the sad demise of peewee, the subsequent rescue, . etc .such a privilege to see all this up close!!

The beautiful cycle of life is beginning to unfold again right in front of our eyes.

.Wonderful wonderful wonderful to hear and see, and, in some cases lend assistance.It is impt. that we protect and preserve our natural world!!

I recognize some names from last yr; we had/have a respectful group. So, hello everyone, and have a good day!

I find that sometimes I don’t fill out the three boxes at top of comment section correctly. And they erase if I change pages or move to another section on this site. Just always check before you hit post that all is filled in ( I also see all my spelling mistakes and dumb comments AFTER I hit POST)

Mary,
I believe that after you post a comment, it is marked “Waiting for moderation”. Once the site moderator approves it, it will them be published for the public to view. This helps keep a gentle, civil and family friendly discussion.

I’m like most of the others that are watching this site, and in no way do I claim to be an expert. However, I’m assuming that Osprey, like other birds, will molt as soon as the weather warms up, therefore the patterns that we are seeing may be a bit different from their summer ones. I am 100% convinced this pair is George and Gracie from last year, as I took some still shots of both of them from when they were building the nest last spring, and also some of the summer shots, and there is no doubt in my mind they are the same pair. You have to look at some of the small details, and then you will realize there is no doubt it is our beloved George and Gracie!! There is a shot of Gracie last year in one of the highlights when they are building the nest that her necklace is huge! Lots of spots and they are dark. But the one true thing with her is that spot under her right wing. George has a black ring starting on each side of his neck that is almost like the beginning of a single strand necklace, but then it just stops, on both sides. These are visible in just about every picture I’ve looked at of him from last year, and of course this year. Hope this helps, and I hope I’m right about the molting. If anyone else has more information on this please share with us. I think we are all enjoying expanding our knowledge about these magnificent birds!!

Hi Leesa. Someone posted a very helpful URL up top about Osprey. Molting or losing flight feathers has nothing to do with weather. Its all about what season it is. ie: pre or post migration. Gracie will lose a few flight feathers just after migration.During the season you will see the loss on the web cam. These feathers stick out much more then the ones she`s keeping. George will not lose as many, if at all, upon getting here. So while everyones right. Its not a molt per-say, the Osprey do lose feathers. Hope that helps.

Happy belated birthday to Bob in Longboat Key. We are in North Palm Beach for the winter, but heading home to the South Shore of Long Island next week. Sure hope it warms up. I keep wondering if George and Gracie as asking themselves why they didn’t wait longer to head north, although they are busy with that nest and everything that goes along with it.

Happy belated to Bob in Longboat Key. I’m in North Palm Beach, but heading home to the South Shore of Suffolk County next week. Sure hope it warms up. I keep thinking that Gracie and George must be asking themselves why they didn’t wait a little longer to fly north!!

Sorry I missed the stick people. As mentioned previously, Chesapeake Conservancy nest has neighbors who leave marked sticks that can be seen built into nest. That is a much neater nest, but those birds don’t seem to have to deal with the multi branched scrub pine the G’s are dealing with……

Looking at George’s collection of sticks, construction debris and garbage bags, reminds me of my local ospreys who are about 40 minutes west of George and Gracie.
One day, while out in the yard, I heard a big CRACK in the dying tree high above me. A male osprey broke off the branch and brought it back to the nest. The branch was enormous.
Once he got it onto the nest, the female took one look at it and picked it up and dropped it down to the sand below. She was not having any of it.

I know I said this before, but I am most impressed with George’s building this year. I am so proud of him. He also caught a gigantic fish this afternoon- not easy in these frigid, choppy waters!

Rose P how can you say that about our handsome George he was a first time father and did his best at times we would get upset but we all had to remind ourselves he was learning as he was trying to Do his best. Last year was the first time Gracie and George had babies so it’s a learning experience it’s been documented in all the Osprey books the older and the more they bond year after year the better parents they become Remember once they fledge they don’t have fathers and mothers to learn from with the Osprey it’s experience trial and error with instinct

In response to Bonnie; I believe the heavy sticks crossed in the middle of the nest box are needed to help anchor the smaller sticks they need to build up the nest. The nest would be vulnerable to blowing away in heavy wind. Correct me if I am wrong

Hi Mary. Maybe the owners of the nest site can tell us if they put the sticks up there or if thats just what nature left. My thought is, its what nature left. I was lucky enough to observe by webcam the Dennis Puleston nest. It was on the Great South Bay here on L.I. It was easily 3 feet tall ! Weighed 100`s of pounds. I guess what Im trying to say is, these birds are Master nest builders.

LeAnn and everyone else I just want to say whether it’s Greorge Or Gracie to you it really doesn’t matter this is our Osprey family
And we all are one big happy family and very grateful that they are here and can’t wait for them to have babies. Also Bob happy 71 birthday glad to see you’re back with us. Carol thanks for always keeping everyone updated along with the others let’s keep it going for those who have to work so they don’t miss out on anything here’s to a good season

Gamma And to those who are reading Gamma’s Comment The reason why the Gracie in 2014 highlights is different it was not Gracie it was the first female but George and the female never had offspring she died supposedly of pneumonia from all the wet and cold weather that year Gracie came shortly there after and they did not have any offspring that year but George and Gracie bonded the following year is when George and Gracie had their first offspring which was last year
This discussion came up many times last season so for all the newcomers in the highlights the female in 2014 that does not look like our Gracie because she has a very thick heavy necklace it was not our Gracie Gracie came after her but George never did have any offspring with her

I am sure that by the time this gets posted it will be so far down it will be lost. I don’t know how it can be stated that a female Osprey had died of pneumonia. Was there a body ? Did some one announce it ? Carol, that is all I remember from last year also was someone thinking this. If you read through the “About ” section at the top there was only mention of a pair of Osprey who started a nest but never had any chicks. The female of that year (2014) apparently did not return in 2015. There are highlights and pictures all over this site but few with dates. And I am NOT saying that is bad I am just saying that for comparison it makes it confusing. It really doesn’t matter if they are the same 2 as last year or a different male or female. But then you can’t say they matured so much over the winter and are better parents. They would then just be different birds.
Personally I think the 2 on the nest now are the same from 2015, so we will see how they do, if the wind ever stops and allows them to finish the nest. Perhaps our moderator could step in and clear up some of this confussion from year to year and put dates on the highlights.

Paul, did you decide if there’s a way Us osprey zone members can give a monetary contribution for you,Tommy and Tommy’s wife for all that you do and your team ? I know during the rescue we all offered money to help and it was declined at the time instead we all purchased stuff from the ospreys zone store However you said it really doesn’t earn any money to go towards you or Tommys family.
Many times several of us have offered to help out financially did you ever decide if you wanted to start a membership so we can donate to keep this up and going for a the future ? I know you’re busy with tax season right now but I sure hope you can answer we would love to donate or give some type a contribution for all that everyone does.

BTW I feel confident it is G & G. I am aware that an Osprey will mate with someone else if the original mate does not come back but they are so compatible that I cannot believe it is someone else so quickly.

Unfortunately, there was a bunker die.-off due to human negligence last year. Thousands of dead fish lined the riversides and beaches. This is major food supply for osprey and other species. I think this was a more likely cause for Peewee’s death than lack of trying. Once fish became available, George did fine. Let’s hope humans learned the lesson…….

Many thanks to Tommy for allowing us to view these beautiful birds lives. I watched this nest off and on all winter and those sticks have been bothersome. A little too heavy and in the middle of the nest box. Think it is now too late to remove them. Do hope they do not cause a future mishap with the nest. Last year this nest sure did like plastic and other trash. Must be some crazy interest as the Robbins keep picking and tearing up bedding plastic along with ground cover cloth to put in their nest in Maryland – unfortunately I too too often find a fallen nest with so much plastic! I have dug up and gotten rid of all of my garden protection covers except those that are cotton. Hopefully birds will not tear bits out of it for nesting material. I purchased and hung raw cotton for birds to use in nests, but not one would take any. Go figure. This year our neighbor who had several very tall old ‘stick’ and roost trees cut them down. When the Bald Eagles and Ospreys began fishing in earnest they could be seen flying in circles with fish clutched looking for their favorite trees. Screaming! They were and are still upset about their tree loss. It takes nature a good 100 years to make a suitable tree for many animals, and man only 10 minutes to take it down. I really do hope more people will be more careful of all of our natural wildlife and their habitats.

That’s a point so many of us would never think about! All we would see is an eyesore…You have prompted me to try to see things differently..One thing I do is make sure that I comb my shedding Husky outside…never had a dog shed like this guy!. His hair goes flying on the wind…I have seen it worked in to some nests..

@10:57ish amEDT Close fly-by warned off by George,,lots of vocal challenge by George and stranger…not much nest building happening so far today..some rearranging
Checking in on other nests…DC eagles just adorable, even as they lose their white fluff..
Pink Shell nest..one chick hanging back while other gets well fed..stepping in as other slows down….both look healthy and strong.
NE FL eagle cam familiar smears on lens…chicks are generally out of nest now
Dick Pritchett eaglecam…all four eagles on nest, both parents feeding chicks…kids at brat stage, stealing from parents until parents regain fish…all is well…
While I have seen 3 chicks fledged from the Cutchogue nest,I didn’t have the up close and personal view other years to see how many chicks died or never hatched. I almost hope for 2 chicks this year here. Last year was a heart breaker….@pink shell, I believe, there is still an egg unhatched in the nest and there was rivalry between the two who did…one just quickly learned to keep its head down and be patient….Same at the eagles’ nests

Is it possible this couple is not George and Gracie from last year? The female appears to have different markings but I am not the most detailed person that visits this site. I think we are in for a treat regardless.

8:26 am PDT PhilK, I think the Gracie we are seeing now is the one from last year. If nothing else her voice. But if you go to ” Highlights of 2014 ” which I believe was the 1st year for a camera , and no eggs were laid, it is not the same Gracie. 2014’s Gracie had a much heavier necklace.I don’t know if 2014 was just for their own personal enjoyment or if it was live for the public. As for George I think so , although over the weekend there were at least 2 different males working the nest. But the 2 on the nest now do seem familiar with each other .
I think early on when they are first arriving back people have a tendency to spot a Osprey and just assume its one from a certain nest.
I don’t watch all day as I find it somewhat frustrating but do check in to look a couple of times a day.

OK after rewatching(several times) and finding a spot where I did see under Gracie’s wing and no spot….Is it possible the “spot ” is an lack of feather coverage caused by backward extended wings? In all other ways, that appears to be Gracie……

Camera angle really needs to be adjusted as we will not be able to view the nest and all the happenings. So far that nest needs some serious work and with all the wind, it has been quite a chore for Gracie and George. This has been so exciting to watch the beginning of the process as I was late to the party last year, after Pee Wee died. I did see the rescue live and that was an incredible day!! Thanks again to all that work on this project.

If you compare the shots from last year the angle is exactly the same although the platform and camera are lower. The nest is not built up as high and wide as it was last year, yet. At this point I don’t think it would be wise to do mess with anything up there right now unless it was a matter of life and death, like the chicks being trapped in line like last year.

Leanne I don’t remember if I mentioned but I did get pictures of Gracie and her little marking under her wing today on April 5 has around 620 I think or 6:23 PM
It looks more like the necklace it’s just a little marking George’s very pronounce circle I can send you pics if you want just let me know.

I also took a few screenshots of Gracie ? but didnt really get a good look at her spot. The one time I did manage to glimpse it, to me, it didnt look as large as last year BUT it was a quick glimpse as she turned very quickly. The male that I had seen earlier on had a black spot on his right side too and I dont really remember George having that mark. Could also be my eyes as I do need glasses. 🙂

3:22 PDT It will be very interesting to see how this nest takes shape. Right now it just looks like a pile of sticks and I wonder how hard it is going to be for them with that big stick they put back on the nest platform. It just seems like it is in the way and cutting through the middle of the nest area.

What is everyone looking for with both male and female to tell them they are the same from last year ? I know that either Sat . or Sun. there were at least 2 different Osprey working the nest.

Leanne correction I made a mistake Gracie does have a little black dot but George’s more pronounce so sorry about that Leanne but just now at 6:20 George brought in a fish and you could see a little bit under Gracies wing and there’s a little black dot not too big mostly last year all our conversations talked about whether it was George by his markings on his leg,black spot under wing and head markings since Gracie didn’t have much of a necklace back then . So I guess you’re right we and there is a little black spot and hopefully you can scroll back and see it

Thanks for replying to me and answering about these 2 birds. I have also scrolled back on numerous occasions and I truly think I just may have confused myself even further. I did remember Gracie’s black spot from last year and remember it being under her right wing. As for George, I think I may have been comparing the hightlights from last year to a new male that made an appearance earlier on this season. I think I’ll just go on assuming its both of the G’s because the more I look back, the more confused I seem to get.
Either way, we’re all in for yet another fun season with our Osprey family. 🙂

Hi everyone, and a special hi to Rjonesl, who asked about me. It’s nice to be remembered. I am in Longboat Key Florida and have to admit I’ve been remiss in following this year’s family so I will try to catch up although it seems that things are going well in both the nest and the commentary. I’ll have to spend a little more time to catch up. After all, I spent most of my life on Long Island. I was 71 on Easter Sunday which doesn’t happen too often since March 27 is a little early for Easter and for my birthday to fall on it got me (and my wife) a special invite to the Longboat Key Club Easter buffet which was a very special treat! Sorry for all this personal stuff. Now it’s back to what we all care about as one – the birds.

Leanne if you give me your email address I can send you pictures of last year and this year to show you the comparison if you want. So you can see how it is Gracie. Or you can email me I don’t mind putting my email out there. I have lots of pics. Rjoako@bellsouth.net

Leanne it is Gracie for sure Gina M and I both compare pictures from last year to this year she just has a couple more black specs for her necklace cause she’s older The black spot under the wing is George that’s how we identified George. Gracie does not have a black spot under her wing

Around 3:20 an intruder flew in toward the nest while George and Gracie were both there. The stranger did not try to land and flew off. I stopped the video as he/she flew by, and don’t believe I have seen this Osprey before. It had a lot of very dark speckles on its neck and chest.

5:10pmEDT You can see the shadow of the tower stretching across the house and beach..I don’t remember seeing this before. But, then, it’s probably sun position and I didn’t start watching last year til after chicks had hatched. And we haven’t had much sun this year on days I’ve been home!!!!!

… at the rate these two are going there will be 375 eggs in the nest this summer 😉
Nice to see our cold, wintery weather has not slowed them down at all.
I think the rival osprey has gotten the hint and is not landing as often on the nest. It is so good to see George and Gracie again and to hear Gracie nagging him. I think George went to a nest building school in over the winter- he is outdoing himself!

I appreciate all the efforts of TRS to allow us the opportunity to watch these beautiful creatures. I wish we could adjust the camera a bit. We may miss some important events. However, this is probably being greedy and asking for something that is not appropriate at this time.

Question: Is there some way to adjust the angle of the camera remotely? The bottom and right side of the nest platform is out of view. I want to reach into the image and tidy it up. But mostly because the birds are out of view sometimes, even when they are on the platform.

2:13pmEDT I see the Chesapeake Conservancy has launched a webcam for a heron rookery…I was surprised to find that they nest in trees..I always thought of them as nesting in the reeds, which, when I follow that thought through, might be difficult with rising tidal waters….Should also be an informative viewing experience, as well as their osprey and falcon cams…

1:30pmEDT Haven’t logged in much today.had trouble with the video this a.m. Then, my 18 1/2y.o. cat, Mishka, decided he needed to cuddle..not a lapcat, he requires a chest sprawl involving an arm…so pretty much paralyzed by his love, I’ve been vegging out!
Thrilled to see how much the nest has grown !!! Gracie sounds just as vocal !!!! 1:37pm I see George stopped in to fulfill his husbandly duties…does anyone know conception to egg laying time?

2:59pm 4/5/16 the nest has grown with new sticks in one day. Presently theres one Osprey chirping very loudly on the platform. The cam might have sustained a jolt or maybe from the wind, it has moved left of center.

Hi everyone, our feed from the camera is a little choppy today, likely due to the wind and cold (29 degrees right now). Hopefully, the conditions will improve and things will return to normal by the end of the day.

I’m a novice viewer, but I think they like the plastic. When the wind blows it looks like feathers fluttering, which provides the chicks with some camouflage so that when a predator flies overhead it can’t distinguish the chicks from the extra stuff in the nest moving in the breeze. Just my theory…

Good morning! I have a tech question. Is there a new way that we are viewing the video when scrolling back? It seems that the four hours already recorded are going through very quickly when reviewing that time frame. I’m just questioning if that is what will now take place, because I did not see our famous family in the nest within that time frame.
OK, thanks for all that you are doing to keep us in touch with our favorite feathered friends. Have a great day, everyone!

8:32amEDT what’s up with the feed? I keep seeing the same delivery and I think it was yesterday…while very funny-fish in claw as Geo lands on Gra and slides off-it also seems the 4hr scroll back is off.

Paul or Aidan or whoever can help us I don’t believe the live feed camera is working correct I just took a picture of Gracie in the nest and it’s exact same one from yesterday morning can you let us know if you’re having equipment our camera problems ? Thank you we would appreciate any updates

It’s around 7:40 AM and George is back at the nest he’s hoping Gracie I’ll come back so he can mate when she’s done with the fish. Either need to take shelter and get warm or start collecting Smore sticks for that nest.

4-5-16 at around 6 AM Gracie in the nest waiting for George. It is only about 16 degrees right now for Gracie. If the news is right. Around 7 AM George comes in with the fish lands on top of Gracie again I got some really good pics of him and the fish on top of Gracies back. Gracie grab the fish and takes off hopefully she will seek shelter in the trees and try to keep warm. I can’t believe that stick in the right-hand corner is still Bobbing up-and-down and has not blown over nor has George tried to fix it. Just for our birds sake I hope we don’t see them too much today because they’re taking shelter from the cold.

It is too funny to watch that big stick on the right-hand side bouncing up-and-down when the wind blows barely hanging on bet by tomorrow it’s not in the nest anymore unless George fixes it
I think around 6 PM on Monday George brought Gracie another fish they might be gone for the night unless they decide to try mate haven’t seen them for a while. Keep warm my little Osprey family is going to be cold

Hi, Rjoneal..You are right about the cold!! The beautiful sunshine glistening on the water is deceptive! A delightful 34 at 2pm is not my idea of spring! With a wind to boot! You’re in FL. aren’t you? Send some heat our way!

It’s Monday 6:28 PM but I just scrolled back about two hours ago and George brought in a fish he tries to mate with Gracie with the fish in his claws hilarious Gracie takes cover grab the fish and flies off. George’s just trying to be proactive and multitask unfortunately didn’t work out for him

We all play a guessing game..in my opinion, that is George but I’m still not 100% on Gracie…I go by head markings, mainly, and this female looks similar to last year’s shots of Gra.but I have yet to see Gracie’s famous dark spot under her right wing.

Question – I did not see any postings since March 30th, so I checked the ‘notification box’ regarding postings. Today I received 144 notifications in my e-mail box. Tried to unsubscribe, but can’t find that link. Also, I noticed there are postings and what appears to be immediate replies. What am I doing wrong?

Not to be a party pooper, BUT… I do hope that if they have 3 this year the male keeps supplying adequate food so there will be no more sad deaths like poor Pee Wee last year. Know this nest does not do rescue like in Maryland. But should think about doing so in order to save and renest the one most picked upon.

11:24amEDT about 11:19 Ge. brought in a fish…he had stopped in before and left with it..I guess Gr.wasn’t taking any chances cause when she got her claws on it, she took off, trailing seaweed behind her…
As a make-up present, Geo. was back in minutes with a stick, which he is carefully arranging…

Gracie and George seem to have regained the nest and are making up for lost mating time. I hope the wind dies down so his sticks stay on the platform. And I also hope the visiting osprey finds his/her own mate.

10:31am was concerned about one of Geo.’s legs, but I guess it was blood from the 1/2 fish he brought in to Gracie about 30-40 mins ago….he does like to play keep-away!! Or just trying not to get thrown overboard !

It’s April 4th at 9:57am . Very , rainy and cool out. Can’t tell if it’s George on the side but is he injured on the back of the left leg. The feathers on it looks pink ( from bleeding) and in the ” elbow” of it left claw looks hurt . I was just concerned. Glad to see the Osprey are back .

8:00amEDT The day started just after 6:15 this a.m. with female landing and chirping beginning…George finally showed and interaction began….lots of in and out, sticks delivered, beautiful dance displays, and in-your-face mating..talk about a bird’s-eye-view!!!! anyway,at least we know they are settling in…..

Today is Monday, April 4 and once again at around 6-6:30 AM George mates with Gracie several times two times the birds rear ends we’re facing the camera one of them looked very successful. George has been busy bringing in sticks however he’s dropped quite a few out of the nest as well He better get going though it’s looking pretty empty he needs to build a nest up before them babies come. I notice he is trying to find really large sticks to put up the bumper pad for the nest. We don’t want our babies falling out. Oh and of course George brought up a piece of garbage bag it was in the right-hand corner don’t know if it’s still there now.
I hope everyone got to see the little mini blizzard and the snow on the nest on Sunday and before long it was melted and our birds were mating. George brought lots of fish on Sunday but I only saw Gracie get a hold of one of them. Here’s hoping today on Monday will be a good day to continue mating and building up the nest. I don’t know about anyone else but I spent the whole weekend watching our Osprey zone. I can’t wait till the babies come.

Hi friends! I’m SOOO excited to actually watch the Ospreys from now until they leave the nest!! I didn’t learn of this website until Newsday (NY) posted a link last summer and by then it was well into the summer. But my family and I continued streaming it EVERY day and ALL day long! Anyway I just want to give a HUGE THANK YOU to all who make this possible for to be able to watch. This is such an amazing gift that you have provided us with!!! Sorry this is such a long comment. Oh and by the way, it’s 12:55am and I wanted to know if that is the osprey on the left hand side of the screen perched? It’s hard to tell because it’s dark. Thank you again so very much for this website!
Regards,
Carissa Hanley
Oakdale, Ny

Hi Aiden, Forgot to “Thank you” for all you do to keep the website and camera up and running. I can only imagine how much time it takes and your dedication is very appreciated. I do have a question–Why are comments posted out of date order? I posted 2 comments today and found that they and many other comments dated April 1st are posed in between comments that were posted on March 30th and the 31st. If I had already read the comments of the 30th and 31st I may not go back to those dates thinking other dates would be posted out of date order, If that is the case let us know and we will be more aware of the dates of the comments. Thank you/

Jo-Ann, I’m not Aiden, but I think I can answer your question. If you will notice that each time any of us posts a comment there is a “Reply” out to the right of our name, date and time. If you reply to a previous comment, then that reply is tabbed a little to the right of the other comments, and the dates can then be out of order if you are just looking at that. When Aiden posted his first comment asking us to keep the comments coming, lots of people did just that and hit the “reply”, so there are dates under his original note that are older than the comments below. Does that make sense, or did I totally confuse you??!!

I may be repeating a comment I posted but I do not see it printed so I am doing it again. At 5:20 p.m. EST an osprey who I assumed was Gracie (had the necklace) flew into the nest but I didn’t see the spot under her wing. I played the video many times but never saw the spot. I happened very quickly so I may have missed seeing the spot. The weather is awful-it is very cold and windy with snow showers. Bet George and Gracie ( I hope it is Gracie) are sorry they left their sunny winter home for the Northeast and the terrible weather.

I thought Gracie had arrived when I looked in today. I was away a few days so I do not know when she arrived. Yet at about 5:20 P.M. the nest was empty then an osprey arrived I thought it was Gracie (has the necklace) but as she flew in and her wings were outstretched I did not see the spot under her wing. Can some of you look at the piece of video. I hope it is Gracie and possibly I missed seeing that spot-it happened so fast. I replayed it a few times and hope it is Gracie. I am sure she and George are very sorry they came up North because the weather is just awful. It is very cold and windy=not to mention snow showers. Hopefully we have better weather after this Tuesday as the forecast is predicting.

I think we need to rename the nest “Three’s Company”
The new guy likes to hang out and chirp until George or Gracie chases him away.
The wind has been terrible today and tonight will be another storm- hopefully things will calm down the rest of the week and the ownership of the nest is settled.